At some point in our lives, we’ve all needed something to help us sleep, so here is a garden of herbs designed to help achieve restful slumber. For most people, herbal sleep remedies are not habit forming and work gently without side effects or lingering grogginess.

The Sleepy Time Garden, with its long, flowing lines and sinuous curves, evokes feelings of peacefulness and calm. A tall linden tree towers over the woodruff planted in its shade. Chamomile, lemon verbena, and dill spread out beside and behind the tree, and a hops-covered triangular frame completes the taller side of this garden.

A gentle curve of lavender caresses the other side of the streamlike pea gravel or bark walkway. Rosemary, skullcap, catnip, and valerian are interspersed with plantings of anise.

Caution!

The sedative qualities of valerian make it a time-honored antidote for insomnia when taken in small doses. However, if more than one or two cups are drunk daily, the herb is dangerous, producing reverse effects — nervous agitation, vertigo, muscle spasms, even hallucinations. A small percentage of people also react to valerian as a stimulant, rather than a sedative.

Herbal Sleep Remedies: Tea Recipes

Sweet Dreams Tea Recipe
This is a sweet, minty blend that will help you get to sleep.

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